Millions expected to hit the road for holidays

Published 8:00 pm, Friday, July 2, 2010

An estimated 34.9 million Americans will hit the roads and travel more than 50 miles this holiday weekend to celebrate the nation's day of independence, according to AAA.

Of the tens of millions expected to travel, 90 percent will travel by car, 6 percent by rail, bus or watercraft, and 4 percent by airplane.

"The overall increases in travelers this year reflect a positive change in the country's economic landscape," said AAA in a press release. During the same holiday period last year, defined by AAA as July 1 to July 5, approximately 29.8 million Americans traveled.

Although the nations average gas prices are up 12 cents from last year, there will be an increase in travel, AAA says.

Alongside this increased volume in travelers, traffic and breakdowns are expected to increase.

"The Fourth of July marks the busiest travel holiday for roadside assistance calls," according to AAA. "As temperatures rise, vehicles are put to the test."

AAA estimated roadside assistance will be needed for 520,000 stranded motorists during the holiday weekend and expects to change 30,000 auto batteries, perform 60,000 jumpstarts and change more than 70,000 flat tires.